South Sudan cruised past Cape Verde before unbeaten hosts Cameroon defeated Libya, a result that sealed Cape Verde’s qualification to the second round alongside Cameroon and South Sudan in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers.
Last Updated on
July 5, 2026
The race for qualification in Group A of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers delivered drama, dominance, and an unexpected twist on Saturday in Douala as South Sudan powered past Cape Verde before Cameroon completed the job, securing the Sharks’ passage to the second round.
Cape Verde entered the day knowing their fate was partly in their own hands, but after suffering a heavy 83-63 defeat to South Sudan, qualification suddenly depended on hosts Cameroon doing what they had done all tournament—winning.
The Lions answered emphatically.
Roared on by a passionate crowd at the Complexe Multisports de Japoma, Cameroon produced another commanding performance to defeat Libya 86-76, maintaining their unbeaten record and officially confirming Cape Verde’s place in the next phase alongside South Sudan and Cameroon.
In the day's opening contest, South Sudan underlined why they remain one of Africa’s most formidable basketball nations, leading for more than 35 minutes on their way to a convincing 20-point victory over Cape Verde.
The game was finely balanced early on, with Will Tavares tying the score at 15-15 midway through the opening quarter. However, a driving layup from Mangok Mathiang moments later sparked a decisive momentum swing. South Sudan closed the quarter strongly, opening a five-point advantage and never looking back.
From there, the Bright Stars steadily tightened their grip on the contest. Holding a 39-32 lead at halftime, they gradually stretched the margin before a devastating 12-0 run in the third quarter broke Cape Verde’s resistance and transformed a one-point game into a double-digit cushion.
Lok Wur starred for South Sudan with a game-high 19 points, shooting an impressive 4-for-6 from beyond the arc while adding four rebounds. Forward JT Thor delivered an explosive contribution, scoring 18 points in just over 14 minutes, while grabbing six rebounds and recording three steals. Bile added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Aher Uguak’s all-around display helped South Sudan dominate both ends of the floor.
Cape Verde struggled to keep pace offensively despite the efforts of William Brito, who battled tirelessly for six points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. A brief third-quarter rally reduced the deficit to three points, but South Sudan quickly responded and cruised to victory.
The defeat left Cape Verde anxiously awaiting the outcome of the evening clash between Cameroon and Libya.
With qualification implications extending beyond the two teams on the court, Cameroon approached their matchup against Libya with the intensity of a side determined to finish the group stage unbeaten.
The Lions immediately imposed themselves through aggressive defense, disciplined ball movement, and relentless energy. Libya, needing an upset to keep their hopes alive, found themselves under pressure from the opening tip as Cameroon disrupted passing lanes, forced turnovers, and converted defensive stops into transition points.
The hosts edgedthe opening quarter 13-10 before gradually asserting complete control of the contest.
Captain Fabien Ateba produced a sensational shooting display, finishing with 29 points and burying seven three-pointers in a performance worthy of a leader. Tamenang Choh orchestrated the offense brilliantly, contributing 15 points and a game-high eight assists, while Jeremiah Hill added 14 points as Cameroon showcased their impressive depth.
Rather than relying on individual brilliance alone, Cameroon dominated the collective battle. They outrebounded Libya 38-34, forced 20 turnovers, and converted those mistakes into 26 points, repeatedly punishing the North Africans whenever opportunities arose.
Libya showed admirable resilience throughout. Naseim Badrush scored 19 points, Mohamed Buzgaiya added 15, and Mohamed Sadi chipped in with 14, but every push was met with a composed Cameroonian response.
Backed by a vibrant home crowd, Cameroon controlled the game from start to finish before sealing an 86-76 victory that sent the arena into celebration.
The result officially confirmed the Group A qualifiers for the second round, with Cameroon, South Sudan, and Cape Verde advancing.
For Cape Verde, the day ended with relief after an afternoon that had threatened to become a nightmare. While South Sudan exposed their weaknesses in a convincing victory, Cameroon's triumph over Libya ensured the Sharks' campaign remains alive.
Despite already securing qualification, Cape Verde head coach Emmanuel Trovoada insisted his team remains focused on finishing the window strongly.
“Cameroon was a very physical team, South Sudan were very athletic and against Libya it will be a different game. We will prepare for that game and show a good level,”Trovoada said.
Attention now turns to Sunday's final Group A fixtures. Cape Verde will face Libya looking to bounce back from defeat, while unbeaten Cameroon will take on Africa’s highest-ranked side, South Sudan, in a blockbuster showdown that promises to provide a fitting finale to an enthralling qualifying window in Douala.
[Photography and Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]
